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***This walk is Fully Booked*** - see
The
Range of the Awful Hand as an equivalent
alternative
The 'Mighty' Merrick is the
highest mountain in southern Scotland
and one of the most popular with hillwalkers.
There are many routes to the 843 metre
summit, and we believe our trek via the
Buchan is worth the extra effort. The
views along the entire Buchan and Rig
of Loch Enoch are simply wonderful. Loch's
Valley, Neldricken and Enoch take on a
new dimension whilst the views from the
summit of the Merrick are as distant as
they are spectacular.
We start from our Saturday multi start
location nearto Bruce's Stone at the head
of the Loch Trool. From here we head east
for a short distance before venturing
onto the southern slopes of Buchan. We
steadily gain height through a series
of rocky outcrops before we arrive at
the first of the Buchan's two summits.
From here we traverse northwards following
the ridge line via the Rig of Loch Enoch.
Before we reach Loch Enoch we leave the
ridge and head for the famous 'Grey man
of the Merrick' a rocky outcrop clearly
resembling the stoney face of an old man.
We rest here and enjoy lunch.
Once the batteries are recharged, we
take on the Redstone Rig to the south
east of the Merrick. This is the roughest
section of the route, across a fairly
steep hillside with no paths of note.
The slog to the top is reassuringly worth
the effort and we will take time to savour
the views and pick out some distant landmarks;
Ben Lomond, Mull of Kintyre, Ireland and
the North Lakes are all easily spotted
on a clear day!
Our descent will be via the popular and
well defined 'tourist' route via the Nieve
of the Spit, onto Benyellary then down
the newly upgraded path to Culsharg. We
then follow the Buchan Burn as the views
open over Loch Trool and Bruce's Stone.
This walk will be guided by members of
the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team, providing
our walkers with a unique opportunity
to experience the remoteness of the Galloway
Hills in the company of people who know
them intimately.
Advice to Walkers
This is a strenous hill walk but we will
take it at a comfortable pace with regular
breaks to enjoy the scenery. Walkers must
be prepared for a long day on the hill
with suitable sturdy footwear, clothing
for all weather conditions and food for
the duration. See Guidance
for Walkers for more information.
This route will be limited to 30 walkers
so booking is essential.
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